Teacher Admits She ‘Prayed Out Loud’ During Violent Tornado: ‘I Did the Teacher Thing that We’re Probably Not Supposed to Do’

On Tuesday, we told you about Rhonda Crosswhite, a brave, sixth-grade teacher at Plaza Tower Elementary School in Moore, Oklahoma. While she has spoken openly with media about her experience comforting students during the tornado, one of her admissions is particularly interesting.

“I did the teacher thing that we’re probably not supposed to do. I prayed — and I prayed out loud,” she said in an interview with NBC News following the violent storm.

Considering her situation at the time of the invocation, it’s understandable why Crosswhite risked facing criticism and potential claims that she violated the separation of church and state. Her life — and the lives of the children she was protecting — hung in the balance.

As the violent storm raged, the teacher found herself in a bathroom stall with six children. With the kids crying and appealing to her for protection, she openly addressed the Lord, saying, “God please don’t take these kids today.”

Previously, TheBlaze reported that Crosswhite had draped her body over the students inside of the stall, comforting them during their time of need. In addition to assuring the children that they would be fine, she also exhibited courage and bravery, telling reporters that, throughout the experience, she never thought she was going to die.

Watch Crosswhite discuss her prayer, below:

Previously, the teacher said that she had asked God to “take care of” her kids. But Crosswhite’s admission that she did something that she’s “probably not supposed to do” as a teacher opens up some fascinating discussion and debate about prayer in public schools.

Last year, TheBlaze explored this issue in-deph. The results of a poll we conducted among readers were fascinating. When asked whether it is appropriate for public school teachers to lead prayer in the classroom, the majority of readers who participated in the poll answered affirmatively. While 54 percent contend that it is appropriate, 46 percent claim that it is not (1,658 individuals answered this question).

Read more about the poll here and let us know your views on Crosswhite’s invocation. Was it appropriate? Should prayer be more welcomed in public schools? Let us know in the comments section, below.

Menu

Get TheBlaze Newsletters

Comment Section FAQ

I'm not seeing my post to MyVoice. How come?

Approved posts to MyVoice will be live on the site within a few hours. MyVoice is for posting intelligent, engaging, entertaining and thought-provoking commentary and stories, so following these guidelines will help get your post prioritized and noticed.

Why is there a red near my name?

Moderators assign strikes for violations of our comment policy. Strikes will disappear automatically in 24 hours, provided you have no further violations. However, if you earn three strikes within 24 hours, your account will be temporary suspended.

I’m having trouble editing and replying to comments, or I’m getting an error when I try to post. What can I do?

What should I do if I see someone causing trouble?

You can report offending posts by clicking on the little flag icon below every post. This will automatically inform our moderators. If you spot a troublemaker, you can also email us at moderation@theblaze.com.

Community Rules

Speak your mind. Please be respectful of our rules and community. Asking people to upvote you or your post are not allowed. No spam, abuse, obscenities, off-topic comments, racial or ethnic slurs, threats, hate, comments that incite violence or excessive use of flagging permitted.

Please be respectful of our community and spread some love. Any of the following may result in a permanent ban:

Spam

Abusive

Obscene language

Obscene photos

Off-topic comments

Racial or ethnic slurs

Threats of any kind

Hate messages

Excessive use or the flagging (report as spam) feature

Asking people to upvote your comments or posts

For more information, please see our Terms of Use. Now, go have fun and speak your mind!